Rag-Picker c. 1843

"Rag-Picker" is an etching by Charles Jacque, a French artist, from around 1843. This etching, now held by The Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a solitary figure carrying a large sack, likely filled with rags, walking through a narrow street. Jacque's work frequently captured the lives of ordinary people and often showcased the hardships faced by the working class in urban environments. The etching's stark lines and minimalist details emphasize the figure's solitude and the harsh realities of their life. The use of etching as a medium allowed Jacque to depict the texture of the rags and the rough surfaces of the street with remarkable detail, further enhancing the realism of the scene.